HOW DID YOU DECIDE ON BENTLEY?
Walter Spencer ’48: It was after the war (WWII). Bentley was already known as a solid accounting school, and I was interested in accounting.
Robert Spencer ’77, MST ’85: I came to Bentley because I wanted a broad-based applicability to all aspects of business with the ability to go to law school.
Jonathan Spencer ’07: My father always taught me that you can never go wrong in life with a business education. After a few campus visits and seeing what they had to offer, it was an easy decision. Bentley, here I come!
Courtney (Spencer) Jansson ’09: I knew in high school that I wanted to study business, and in particular, marketing. My decision was made easier when I visited Jonathan on campus during his junior year and experienced the amazing campus.

WHAT DID YOU STUDY?
JS: I majored in Corporate Finance and Accounting and minored in Information Design and Corporate Communication.
CJ: I knew the minute I stepped on campus that marketing was the right major for me. Marketing is constantly changing, which keeps it exciting. When I graduated, Twitter was just becoming a thing. To see how marketing has changed since graduation day is astounding.
RS: Public Administration. I also focused on every law course offered.
WS: Accounting.

FAVORITE PLACE TO STUDY?
WS: The college had a few common areas to study in the original Boylston Street location.
RS: In the library or Lower Café.
CJ: The library was always my favorite — early in the morning or late at night.
JS: The library was always great — but I also liked the study rooms in the Fenway dorm with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the athletic fields.

“Debits to the left, credits to the right, fight, fight, fight!”

HOW HAVE YOU SEEN BENTLEY CHANGE?
WS: I attended the original Boston location on Boylston Street, so in my two years, no big changes. Obviously the move to Waltham and the growth I’ve seen there has been incredible and beyond anything I could have imagined in 1948.
RS: In 1974-1977, I saw the lower campus development start and the addition of a new gym at the Dana Center.
JS: Bentley is always improving! They built a new gym when I was there, too. It was also in the process of transitioning from Bentley College to Bentley University. I think I was in the last class to graduate from Bentley College.
CJ: That was the biggest change for me, when Bentley went from college to university. I still recall the day of the change with the new logo and T-shirts that were handed out to students on the Greenspace. Overall, I have seen Bentley evolve along with the business world. It has been a great ride to see how far Bentley has come.

DID YOU RECEIVE FAMILY ADVICE WHEN YOU ENROLLED?
JS: Our Dad would always say: There are 24 hours in a day. Even if you sleep for eight hours and have class for five, that still gives you 11 hours a day, so no excuses to not have enough time to study!
CJ: He also frequently reminded us of the Bentley chant: “Debits to the left, credits to the right, fight, fight, fight!” That may have determined my marketing direction!

THREE WORDS TO DESCRIBE BENTLEY.
JS: Hilly. Challenging. Creative.
RS: Challenging. Comprehensive. Practical.
WS: Accounting. Discipline. Hard Work. CJ: Unforgettable. Rewarding. Inspiring.

"My first baby is due in October … maybe she will be Bentley Class of 2039?"

HOW WILL BENTLEY CONTINUE TO BE PART OF YOUR LIFE?
WS: I’m in my 90s now, and I’m thankful for the time I had there.
JS: My first baby is due in October … maybe she will be Bentley Class of 2039?
CJ: I hope to stay part of the Bentley family. Whether through alumni events, campus visits or my lifelong friends, Bentley will always have a big place in my heart.

WHAT ARE YOUR HOPES FOR BENTLEY’S NEXT 100 YEARS?
RS: Bentley’s first 100 years have been transformative. Bentley is a state-of-the-art institution and needs to maintain its welldeserved standing and reputation as a leading business education institution.
JS: My hope is that Bentley continues to grow its already outstanding reputation and continues to take the next step into the national fold as one of the top universities in the country. I also hope Bentley continues to offer classes that introduce the “business” side of all types of jobs and professions.
CJ: I hope Bentley continues to show the world what it means to be Bentley alumni. We are a special crop of students who are generally looking to make an important impact in the world.
WS: Good luck and keep up the good work!